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Opal C1 — 4K Sony IMX378 · True-to-life color
Opal

Opal C1

4K Sony IMX378 · True-to-life color

87
/ 100
From $299
VS
Opal C1 wins by 3
Opal Tadpole — 2K
Opal

Opal Tadpole

2K

84
/ 100
From $175
Specdex verdict

Opal C1 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Opal C1 lands at 87 and Opal Tadpole at 84. That puts Opal C1 ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Opal C1 if…

  • ✓Mirrorless-quality image
  • ✓Built-in mic array
  • ✓Solid software

Pick Opal Tadpole if…

  • ✓USB-C connectivity (modern)
  • ✓Auto framing (some)
  • ✓Software tuning
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Image

Opal C1

Compared on the image sub-score

Opal C1 leads on image (94 vs 82).

Build

Opal C1

Compared on the build sub-score

Opal C1 leads on build (90 vs 86).

Features

Opal Tadpole

Compared on the features sub-score

Opal Tadpole leads on features (84 vs 82).

Value for money

Opal Tadpole

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Opal Tadpole more score per dollar ($175 vs $299).

Opal C1 87
vs
84 Opal Tadpole

Score breakdown

Opal C1
87
image 94
features 82
build 90
value 78
Opal Tadpole
84
image 82
features 84
build 86
value 82

Specs side-by-side

Opal C1 versus Opal Tadpole — full spec comparison
Spec Opal C1 Opal Tadpole
Sensor
Sony IMX378 1/2.3″
—
Resolution
▲ 4K / 30 fps
2K
Connectivity
USB-C
—

Opal C1

Pros
  • +Mirrorless-quality image
  • +Built-in mic array
  • +Solid software
Cons
  • −macOS favoured, Windows lags
  • −Premium price
  • −Software required

Opal Tadpole

Pros
  • +USB-C connectivity (modern)
  • +Auto framing (some)
  • +Software tuning
Cons
  • −Fixed focal length on most
  • −Low-light varies wildly
  • −Mounting can be fiddly

FAQ: Opal C1 vs Opal Tadpole

Which is better, Opal C1 or Opal Tadpole? +

Opal C1 scores 87 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Opal C1 worth the price? +

At $299, Opal C1 delivers a Specdex score of 87 — strongest in image.

Is Opal Tadpole worth the price? +

At $175, Opal Tadpole delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in build.

Does Opal C1 or Opal Tadpole last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for image, Opal C1 or Opal Tadpole? +

Opal C1 — leads on image (94 vs 82). Compared on the image sub-score.

Which is better for build, Opal C1 or Opal Tadpole? +

Opal C1 — leads on build (90 vs 86). Compared on the build sub-score.